BENGALURU: All work and no play makes policemen dull and depressed? Alarmed by the increasing number of suicides and attempt to suicide among his ranks, Director General and Inspector General of Police Om Prakash has issued a circular asking the policemen to opt for recreational activities, motivational speech and physical activity to beat the stress.
Yoga, meditation, volleyball, kabaddi and cultural evenings top the list of activities Mr Prakash has suggested to the heads of all police units. He has asked all officers to desist from using abusive language against subordinates in the name of discipline. He has also advised his officers to identify subordinates who are high on ‘stress levels’ and to arrange for professional counselors for them.
“Apart from official reasons, family issues may also trigger high stress and it is very important to arrange counselling for the entire families,” he stated.
Mr Prakash has asked senior officials to hear out the grievances of their subordinates during weekly parades and to sort them out on priority.
Besides directing the senior officers to not use abusive language while conversing with juniors, he has also instructed to organise recreational activities such as yoga, games and motivational speeches.
The move comes after a few suicides and attempt to suicide incidents were reported in the state police department. Observing that such incidents are a matter of grave concern, Director General & Inspector General of Police Om Prakash stated that senior officers should handle the issue with utmost sensitivity and infuse positive feelings, thoughts and action among their subordinated.
“There is a need to give top priority to the grievance redressal machinery. All unit officers shall hear the grievances of their subordinates during weekly parades, inspect the units concerned and sort out individual grievances on priority. In case, if it has to be sorted out by the higher ups, it should be promptly reported,” the circular stated.
The police top brass also took a dig at the people friendly police system by advising seniors not to use abusive language with their juniors. “There should be a positive change in the behavioural aspects of officers towards their subordinates during their official interactions. Abusive language can’t be justified in the guise of discipline. In turn, it reflects in their behaviour with public and it goes against the concept of ‘Jana Snehi Police’.”
Further, he also instructed supervisory officers to identify those subordinates, who are high on ‘stress level’ due to various reasons and organise professional help through counsellors. “Apart from official reasons, family issues may also trigger high stress and it is very important to arrange family counselling for such police families,” he stated.
